After a particularly miserable week plagued with illness here I was determined that this weekend would be filled with memory making and quality family time to end a rather lovely summer. The first weekend of September was always marked off in our calendar before we […]
One of the things I was most worried about when it came to having two babies so close in age was the logistics of getting out of the house. I don’t drive and Sean works all week so if we want to go out Monday […]
With trying to keep our spending to a minimum while at the same time seeking adventure for my little family I’m always on the look out for free / cheap days out we can go on. Every now and then I discover a place which is destined to be a go to family day out and a couple of weeks ago we found ourselves at Jeskyn’s Community Woodlands which turned out to be just that. Considering I have lived in the county for 25 years and this little patch of beauty is only on a doorstep I can’t quite believe I hadn’t heard of it before – thank you Kent Kids Days Out on Instagram for the recommendation.
It’s essentially a country park with everything you’d expect to find and more. Endless woodlands, wildflower meadows, nature trails and 5 different walking routes. Not to mention the two inspired play areas, hidden fairy village & the orchards with an abundance of fruit which you’re invited to pick and take home for free. We visited Jeskyn’s after dinner in a bid to get Florence to run off some steam before bed and only got to explore a tiny part and the manned facilities (café, learning area etc) were all closed yet were so impressed we’ll be back time & time again.
We did however manage to take advantage of the two natural play areas while we were there. ‘The sandpit’ Play area is the first one you reach if following the Zog trail (oh yes, I forgot to mention that in my list above) and in place of say a swing or slide and as well as the sandpit there is a big carved ‘tree trunk’ perfect for climbing on, a giant wooden tunnel and just next to it, a Fairy village. The possibilities for imaginative play here are just endless!
The second is called the tree house play area. An enclosed green of whispy long grass with wooden carvings of the Gruffalo characters centered around a big wooden treehouse in the middle. Florence’s little face when she me with each of her favourite story time creatures was a picture. We could have (and likely will) spent an entire day here getting lost in the classic children’s story, acting out the tale and tucking into a Gruffalo themed picnic.
We are really excited to return and discover more of Jeskyns Community Woodlands throughout the summer.
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While away last week, we packed our week with days out and adventure. One of the places we knew we had to go to was Blackgang Chine – the oldest theme park in the UK and apparent ‘must do’ on everyone’s list. Both Sean and […]
I’ve been dreaming of my perfect wedding since I was a little girl. The shoes, the dress, the venue. Over the years, those dreams have changed and changed again and now, despite not being engaged, I picture two very different ideal weddings in my head. One […]
I can’t lie, after all the snow and rain over the last few weeks I have found myself dreaming of sunshine and sandy shores. A combination of the wintry weather and Florence’s current bought of chicken pox has got me suffering from some serious cabin fever and I am craving some time away somewhere hot. I need to feel the sun on my face, to relax with my family away from the every day chores and get in some all important quality time. Even more so than summer sun though, I am craving adventure and am seeking the chance to explore.
Sean & I have always been keen travellers. While usually opting to stay in resorts we always adventure out to places further afield to take int he local culture. I make a point of learning some of the language of the country I am visiting and we both like to get to know the locals. In 2012, we headed to Tunisia and it was just the most wonderful trip. We met so many people and learned so much about the local culture.
Over the last eight years, we’ve put together a bit of a travel bucket list of places we’d love to visit in the next few years and there are two destinations that top that list above all others.
Kefalonia
If I could move to any country in the world, it would be Kefalonia without any doubt. I am fortunate enough to have already visited this beautiful Greek Island twice before back when Iw as a teenager. The peace & tranquility of this beautiful little corner of the world was always a welcome relief from our every day chaos. The Island first stole my heart nine years ago and I’d love to take my own family back one day. Whenever I picture our Kefalonian trip I imagine staying in a big & beautiful villa with all of our family with us spending our days by the pool, exploring the little quaint villages and days by the sea. 
Staying in a villa would give us all the flexibility you need when travelling in a large group and I think it’d be perfect for babies first holiday. You can go at your own pace, choose and cook your own food as and when you’re ready & there’s plenty of space inside & out for baby play activities in the shade. PLUS you get unlimited pool time!
Florence
Okay, so it might be a bit Cliche, but I am intent on a trip to #FlorencewithFlorence. It just has to be done doesn’t it? Italy has always intrigued me and it just seems like Florence would be an obvious place to start our Italian adventures. I’ve never really done an overseas city break before either and I can just picture us exploring and taking in the sights before returning to a little apartment full of charm to kick back and relax with a good glass of wine. 
Where do you like to take your family abroad over the summer?
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I’ve been meaning to write this post for absolutely ages – ever since we headed to Cornwall from Kent back in November. Holidaying with a baby for the first time can be quite a daunting occasion and even more stressful if there’s a lot of […]
If you hadn’t seen already, we spent last week on holiday in Cornwall. We had a wonderful week exploring and on Wednesday we headed to Healey’s Cyder Farm, which was about a 15 minute drive from our cottage near Perranporth. The farm had come recommended […]
